Dogs for Adoption in California

10,688 adoptable dogs listed by shelters and rescues in California. Showing 10,201–10,230 of 10,688 below.

Every dog in California deserves a forever home — from puppies taking their first steps to adult dogs who are calm, house-trained, and ready to bond right away. All listings shown here are real dogs currently available for adoption from shelters and rescues in California. Availability changes daily, so confirm directly with the organization before making plans.

221 shelters and rescues in California currently list dogs on Every Dog's Chance.

How adoption works in California

California's listings are numerous and come from a broad mix of municipal shelters, humane societies and rescue groups, with a large share from around San Bernardino, Bakersfield and Riverside. A municipal or county shelter usually lets you walk in during open hours, while rescue groups tend to place dogs from foster homes and begin with an application.

When you find a dog you like, open the profile and reach the organization listed there. You can expect an application or a conversation, a meet and greet, and an adoption fee that the organization sets, often covering spay or neuter and vaccinations. Because listings cluster in a few cities, many groups help arrange transport within the state. The organization on the dog's profile keeps that dog's history, requirements and availability.

10,688 dogs in California — page 341 of 357

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Photo of Xena, adoptable Belgian Shepherd Malinois in San Diego, California

Xena

Belgian Shepherd Malinois FemaleLarge3 years

Hi I'm Xena! I am a 3-year-old Malinois Mix and I weigh 75lbs. I am a huge cuddle bug but need consistent exercise and stimulation due to my breed. My…

The Heroic Tail • San Diego, CA

Updated recently
Photo of Maggie, adoptable Shepherd in San Diego, California

Maggie

Shepherd FemaleMedium1 year

Forever Home Wanted: Meet Maggie! Looking for an adventure buddy with brains, energy, and a playful personality? Maggie might be your girl! Maggie is …

Labradors and Friends Dog Rescue Group • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Bear, adoptable German Pinscher in San Diego, California

Bear

German Pinscher MaleMedium3 years

Hi I'm Bear I can be shy and a bit nervous when I first meet people because of my past but after you give me a little time and space to come greet you…

The Heroic Tail • San Diego, CA

Photo of Bruno, adoptable Unknown breed (short coat) in Alta Loma, California

Bruno

Unknown breed (short coat) MaleLargeYoung

Meet Bruno! Bruno is a big love bug weighing approximately 80 pounds and he’s ready to find his forever home! Bruno is neutered, microchipped, and up-…

Angels n Paws • Alta Loma, CA

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Photo of Athena, adoptable Bulldog in Seal Beach, California

Athena

Bulldog FemaleMedium3 years

Now who is this adorable little meatball?? Meet ATHENA, she is a 3 year old bulldog and just as cute as can be. She is a petite girl with a big person…

Friends of the Seal Beach Animal Care Center • Seal Beach, CA

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Photo of Lulu, adoptable Shepherd in San Diego, California

Lulu

Shepherd FemaleMediumBaby

Meet Lulu: A Sweet and Sensitive Pup Ready to Steal Your Heart! Say hello to Lulu, a darling puppy full of personality, charm, and just the right mix …

Recate Fenix aka Rescue Fenix • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Foxxy, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in San Diego, California

Foxxy

German Shepherd Dog FemaleLargeYoung

Puppies are a life-long commitment. They need time, training, vet care and healthy feeding to become good canine citizens. Don't even think of adoptin…

Coastal K9 German Shepherd Rescue • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Luna, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in San Diego, California

Luna

German Shepherd Dog FemaleMedium0 years

Hi, I’m Luna! I’m a 6-month-old Husky/German Shepherd mix with a lot of love to give. My family had to surrender me because they lived in a small apar…

The Heroic Tail • San Diego, CA

Urgent Need
Photo of Brutus, adoptable Pit Bull Terrier in San Jose, California

Brutus

Pit Bull Terrier MaleLarge4 years

04/25/2025Here is Brutus' report card from Tails and Trails! What did we do on today’s adventure: Once my new human friend clipped on theadventure lea…

San Jose Animal Care Center • San Jose, CA

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Photo of Ruben, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Yreka, California

Ruben

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler MaleMedium3 years

Meet Ruben – A Gentle Soul Ready to Blossom Ruben is a quiet, sweet, and shy guy with a heart full of love just waiting to be shared. He may take a li…

Rescue Ranch • Yreka, CA

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Photo of Tommy, adoptable Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler in Yreka, California

Tommy

Australian Cattle Dog/Blue Heeler MaleMedium3 years

Meet Tommy! Looking for a sweet, silly, and totally lovable pup to brighten your days? Tommy is your guy! This charming little goofball strikes the pe…

Rescue Ranch • Yreka, CA

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Photo of Dean, adoptable Dogo Argentino in McKinleyville, California

Dean

Dogo Argentino MaleLarge3 years

DEANIs an ethusiastic boy who loves to run around and toss toys about while in the exercise yard. He is food motivated which will be quite handy in co…

Humboldt County Sheriff's Animal Shelter • McKinleyville, CA

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Photo of Webber, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in Tracy, California

Webber

German Shepherd Dog MaleLarge2 years

Behaviors observed by this animal leads us to state the following: Meet Webber, a handsome German Shepherd mix with a heart full of love and loyalty j…

City of Tracy Animal Services • Tracy, CA

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Photo of Posey, adoptable Maltese in Newport Beach, California

Posey

Maltese FemaleSmall4 years

Meet Posey, a 4 year old, 7-pound darling with a sophisticated look that belongs on a Hamptons getaway. Rescued from a difficult past, Posey is a sens…

Mutts in Need • Newport Beach, CA

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Photo of Ralph,,,, adoptable Cocker Spaniel in San Diego, California

Ralph,,,

Cocker Spaniel MaleMediumYoung

Ralph is a darling 25 lb male dog mix puppy ready for her new family. Ralph is a sweet, loving puppy that is good with other dogs of all sizes. he is …

Baja Dog Rescue • San Diego, CA

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Photo of Kingston, adoptable Pit Bull Terrier in Visalia, California

Kingston

Pit Bull Terrier MaleLarge3 years

Meet Kingston — a gentle soul with a heart of gold Kingston is a sweet, soft-hearted Pit Bull who’s looking for love, not guard duty. He’s not your to…

PAW Estate Rescue and Shelter Inc • Visalia, CA

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Photo of Ripley SJ, adoptable German Shepherd Dog in Cupertino, California

Ripley SJ

German Shepherd Dog FemaleLarge1 year

Ripley has extememly high energy and is rarely in the house alone for 10 minutes! She is friendly, curious, and playful! She loves being with people, …

German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California • Cupertino, CA

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Photo of Klaus, adoptable Siberian Husky in Walnut Creek, California

Klaus

Siberian Husky MaleMedium4 years

Hi there! I’m Klaus—a cool, confident, and (if I may say so myself) irresistibly handsome Siberian Husky. At 4 years young and 64 lbs. of charming per…

Northern California Sled Dog Rescue • Walnut Creek, CA

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Photo of Lobo, adoptable Husky in Santa Ana, California

Lobo

Husky MaleLarge3 years

Lobo is the perfect dog – a long, lanky boy who’s gentle and sweet. He loves people and other dogs and gets along well with both. He likes to play wit…

Shamrock Rescue Foundation • Santa Ana, CA

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Photo of Buster, adoptable Pit Bull Terrier in Camarillo, California

Buster

Pit Bull Terrier MaleLarge5 years

@vcanimalservices Have a chat with Buster and volunteer Heidi! Buster is available to adopt at VCAS. He is affectionate, playful, and loves a good pup…

Ventura County Animal Regulation • Camarillo, CA

Urgent Need
Photo of Alani, adoptable Pit Bull Terrier in Camarillo, California

Alani

Pit Bull Terrier FemaleMedium2 years

Alani has a contagious zest for life. She loves fetch, and is open to meeting other large dogs! In a previous foster home, she was a total cuddlebug, …

Ventura County Animal Regulation • Camarillo, CA

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Photo of Buzz, adoptable French Bulldog in Tracy, California

Buzz

French Bulldog MaleMedium3 years

Behaviors observed by this animal leads us to state the following: Buzz is a small Frenchie mix with a big heart hidden beneath layers of fear and unc…

City of Tracy Animal Services • Tracy, CA

Updated recently
Photo of Piper, adoptable Chihuahua in Sherman Oaks, California

Piper

Chihuahua FemaleSmall3 years

Cat/Canine Assistance, Referral & Education • Sherman Oaks, CA

Low-cost spay, neuter and vet care in California

Programs that help California adopters keep a dog healthy on a budget. Each page was checked on 2026-09-10; confirm current hours and eligibility with the organization.

Adopting a dog in California — FAQ

How do I adopt a dog in California?

Open any dog's profile to see which shelter or rescue is caring for them in California, then follow the adoption link or contact details to apply directly with that organization. Every Dog's Chance gathers listings in one place so they're easier to find — the adoption itself happens through the local shelter or rescue.

Are the dog listings in California up to date?

Listings are refreshed regularly from participating shelters and rescues. Because dogs are adopted and new ones are added constantly, availability can change between updates — always confirm a specific dog is still available with the shelter or rescue before making plans.

How much does it cost to adopt a dog in California?

Adoption fees vary by shelter and rescue. Many organizations include spay/neuter, vaccinations, and a health exam in their fee. Open any dog's profile and contact the organization directly for their current fee and what it covers.

Can I adopt a dog from another city in California?

Yes. Most shelters and rescues in California welcome adopters from anywhere in the state, and some can arrange transport for the right match. Open a dog's profile to see the organization's contact details and ask them how their process works.

Can I foster a dog in California instead of adopting?

Many shelters and rescues in California offer foster programs, sometimes with a foster-to-adopt path. Fostering gets a dog out of a kennel and into a calm home while they wait for their forever family. Ask the organization on any dog's profile whether fostering is available.

Are the dogs in California good with children or other pets?

It depends on the individual dog more than anything else. Each dog's profile and the shelter or rescue caring for them can tell you about their history with kids, cats, and other dogs. Many organizations offer meet-and-greets to make sure the match is right for everyone.